08/05/2019 - WHEN THE HEART FEELS WRONG

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But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. So Sihon gathered all his people together and went out against Israel in the wilderness, and he came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. Numbers 21:23

Upon receiving the Moses´ request, Sihon felt that he should attack the Israelites and destroy them. Why did he make such a decision? Well, since he did not fear God, it was easy for Satan to fill his ego with false superiority. Besides, because he had defeated the king of Moab, arrogance spoke louder to his spirit than the divine voice. Consequently, he embarked on a suicidal mission, because he felt he was so superior and prepared to win. Watch and pray at all times! 

Sihon noticed the opposite of what happened. Actually, if he allowed the children of Jacob to pass peacefully through his territory, the king and his people might have remained alive and perhaps were still a nation today. When it comes to the people of God, it is better for everyone to think twice about hurting those whom the Lord blesses. Obviously, when he said no to the children of Israel, he determined his defeat, for he would be fighting against the Most High.

The good that someone does to us today, even if it is small – like giving us a glass of water – will undoubtedly be rewarded on the Day of Reckoning. Therefore, you are provoking the Lord when you do not want to help one of His children. Being neutral is also not the best option. For example, Meroz’s neutrality was the cause of it being cursed (Judges 5:23). The best is to help those who belong to God.

Small and sad decisions bring bad results now and also in the future, when the faithful will be rewarded by God for their actions. Those who do not follow His guidelines will be punished. Try to understand each person´s needs, even if they say they are your enemy, and help them, for every act of mercy and love speaks very loudly before the eyes of the Most High. Why live far from God if you can and need to be close to Him?

Just like it happens with all people, there was a battle taking place in the heart of Sihon. The king made the worst choice. Then, when he denied aid to those who asked permission to pass through his lands and assured him that nothing would be destroyed, not even a little water would be drunk, He shut himself to Good and opened his heart to the devil. Every request for help that you receive is an opportunity for you to seek the guidance of the Lord and do what He says. He will not forget you!

Sihon sent a message so that all his people might come prepared for war, and, once he was so puffed up and with such hatred in his heart, he went into the wilderness to meet Israel. Sihon did not go to help the Israelites, but to annihilate those who hoped for his good deed. Surely this made God turn his face against the Amorites. Do not fail to do that which is good, for the Almighty will weigh on your decision and reward, whether good or bad.

We should never do things without giving ear to the Father. Surely the Spirit of God fought with that king to do good, but he resisted God, moved away from the Source of good, and joined evil. His attitude made him and his people be destroyed.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares